Bimini Tops

[rsscoggins]

Any one run a Bimini top on their Checkmate? Care to share any pictures?

I have two small kids and we are in TEXAS where it gets very HOT from April through September, so a place out of the sun is welcome. Plus I guess I am getting old and getting more concerned about comfort than appearance.

I have looked at the umbrella things and while that would work, I want something that could be used while running.

I am also concerned about the mounting hardware so any creative ways that you have to mount would be welcome as well.

Thanks
Stacy

[rsscoggins]

Any one run a Bimini top on their Checkmate? Care to share any pictures?

I have two small kids and we are in TEXAS where it gets very HOT from April through September, so a place out of the sun is welcome. Plus I guess I am getting old and getting more concerned about comfort than appearance.

I have looked at the umbrella things and while that would work, I want something that could be used while running.

I am also concerned about the mounting hardware so any creative ways that you have to mount would be welcome as well.

Thanks
Stacy

[mistertoadie]

Hi Stacy, I've mounted bimini tops on all my boats. Can't live without one. never had one over 50 before though. With a checkmate the issue is height. They look alot better with a low top on them. It depends on how much headroom you want. You get more shade from a lower one also. I am mounting one on my Exciter as we speak, and will send pics as soon as I get some. I am going with a tall (50") top for headroom, so it probably won't look very sporty. They make mounts now that can mount on a vertical surface, such as inside your gunwhales for a stealthy look. Just measure accordingly so you don't order too wide a top. Overton's seems to have the best prices and widest variety of mounting hardware available. Just my $.02. Rich.

[addgasgofast]

Ditto on what mrtoady said. Try to get a top that has it's hardware made with metal. It will be more durable this way vs. plastic hardware. Also you can't go very fast with the top up. Because un like a convertable top a bimini lets alot of wind in under it. So keep this in mind while running around.

[Big Dave]

Yea, I gotta get one for the diplomat!!
We have been over to tawokani a few times, but The Diplomat still has some issues. We used to spend every weekend either on lavon or down at lake whitney (Hillsboro area).

[mistertoadie]

Stacy, I have some pics of my bimini top on my '84 Exciter if you want to see them, just post your e-mail address and i'll send them over.

[rsscoggins]

Sure send them along...

rsscoggins@yahoo.com is the email

Thanks
Stacy

[bostoncan]

Maybe Chris could post one picture on here, I would like to see it and im sure there are others that wonder what it would like..

[mistertoadie]

I will try, but I think Chris is getting tired of posting pics of my boat...lol. I think I bother him too much. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Chris]

Here are a couple of pics of mrtoadie's top...

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/memberpics/mrtoadie10.jpg

[Chris]

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/memberpics/mrtoadie11.jpg

[Chris]

http://checkmate-boats.com/images/memberpics/mrtoadie12.jpg

[rsscoggins]

Chris thanks for posting those pics!

Mr. Toadie, that looks nice and exactly what I need! Do you know how tall it is from the sides not from the floor? How about the length of the top? What is the lenght of your boat?

I was thinking of a 6' long top with a height of about 3' above the sides of the boat on the 2100 Pulsare BR that I have ordered. I am not sure that 3' is tall enough especially since I am 6'4". BUT I don't want it to be too tall and look out of proportion with the sleek lines of the boat...

[rsscoggins]

Chris thanks for posting those pics!

Mr. Toadie, that looks nice and exactly what I need! Do you know how tall it is from the sides not from the floor? How about the length of the top? What is the lenght of your boat?

I was thinking of a 6' long top with a height of about 3' above the sides of

[mistertoadie]

It is a 6' long 3 bow bimini in white vinyl, 30 to 36" high from mounting point. delivered to my door, second day air for under $200. from Overton's. My boat is 18'10". The instructions state you can cut the main support legs down to 30".I left mine stock and it is 32" at the front and rear edges, and 39" at the center, highest point from top of gunnel, so you could probably go even lower by cutting. It's actually more roomy than I anticipated for the lowest top available.

[Chris]

You're welcome guys.

rss, is your avatar a picture of a Mate?

It doesn't look like one, but it's hard to tell exactly.

If so, send me over a full size version and I'll get that posted somewhere. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[daren34]

check with the factory but most mates had an option of a 5 inch taller windshield and a convertible top

[rsscoggins]

No it is not a Checkmate - it is a 24' Skater that I campaigned from 1988 to 1991 in the Stock Production class. Twin 200 EFI Mercs that was good for about 100mph but the best part is that we would average 70-80 mph in 2 to 3 foot chop over 150 mile course including turns.

Thanks
Stacy

[Chris]

Thanks.... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif